(TMX/Gray News) - DermaRite Industries is recalling a wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) hand soaps due to bacterial contamination that "may result in serious and life-threatening infections," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dozens of lots of four different soap products are being recalled due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepecia, a group of bacteria that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "can be resistant to antibiotics, making them difficult to treat."

The recall includes 22 lots of DermaKleen, an OTC healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with vitamin E; one lot of DermaSarra, an OTC external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations; 11 lots of KleenFoam, an OTC antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera; and 12 lots of PeriGiene, an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico. DermaRite said it has notified distributors and customers by email to immediately check their inventory and destroy any recalled products.

While Burkholderia Cepacia Complex poses "little risk" to healthy people, according to the CDC, those with compromised immune systems and especially those with cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung diseases are at particular risk of severe or deadly infection. The recalled products are known to be used by immunosuppressed individuals and healthcare professionals and caregivers attending to immunosuppressed individuals.

"In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions, the use of the product will more likely result in local infections," the FDA said, "whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream, leading to life-threatening sepsis."

To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recalled products.

Consumers who believe they have experienced any problems related to the recalled products are advised to contact their physician. Consumers with any questions about the recall are advised to call Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST or email [email protected].